Topic: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? (2/3) - The Quilt Show Forum

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TOPIC: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat?

Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 22 Jul 2011 22:24 #67218

Scoopie
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On the ruler subject, I had a teacher once tell us that a ruler that has been used continually over the years (with a rotary cutter) can actually not have straight edges any more. I have found it can have a slight curve to it that cannot be seen without really checking it out, like placing the edge on a granite counter top, and slide a sheet of paper through the middle of it. (Between the ruler and the granite.) Then see if two sheets will pass under it, then three. Then throw it out!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 22 Jul 2011 19:52 #67215

Margo
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I have several rulers that I can't use any more because I've used them so much I've worn the numbers and/or lines off!! :shock:

Most rulers for cutting have lines that are printed (with ink or paint) on the acrylic base, and like anything that gets used a lot, it will wear away, just from the friction of sliding over a lot of fabric.

I like the fact that most of the acrylic template/rulers for long-arm quilting now have etched markings. Hopefully they will last longer!

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter
That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived !

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Have you ever worn out a quilting ruler? 22 Jul 2011 19:39 #67213

NancyinSTL
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Margo wrote:

I'm glad they are giving you great customer service, Nancy!
I don't think there is any possible way to "fix" my mat, but I really like the way the rotating mat works, and you can see that I've used it a LOT, even though it started getting grooves early on.

Hi Margo,

This is somewhat an unrelated subject, but after seeing your rotating mat, I am wondering if you have ever worn out your quilting rulers? My 6" x 24" Fiskar ruler is the one that gets the most use. The lines and numbers are wearing off on the end starting with number 1. Is this normal? If not, is there something I'm doing wrong in the way I handle my rulers? Should I handle them on the sides only? I probably purchased it in 2005 or so, when I really seriously got into quilting. However, I doubt my ruler has had the amount of use that your similar one has.

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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 22 Jul 2011 06:59 #67182

Margo OFFLINE Posts: 6522 Thank you received: 129	I'm glad they are giving you great customer service, Nancy! I don't think there is any possible way to "fix" my mat, but I really like the way the rotating mat works, and you can see that I've used it a LOT, even though it started getting grooves early on.
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 21 Jul 2011 22:36 #67177

NancyinSTL
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Margo wrote:

Well, I've just sent a request for a replacement also. We will see how this goes!

004.JPG

Hi Margo,

Yours actually looks much worse than mine, but I really haven't used mine very much. It has taken me a while to get used to turning the mat, rather than turning the fabric. However, the few cuts that I have made took chunks out of my mat, leaving gouges.

I did not request a replacement, instead I explained the problem and asked if there was a way to fix it.

Good luck,
Nancy

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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 21 Jul 2011 17:08 #67163

ladyquilter OFFLINE Posts: 754 Thank you received: 37	Wow Margo. Personally, I think you deserve a reward as well. That mat has seen lots of lovin'.
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 21 Jul 2011 14:36 #67162

Margo OFFLINE Posts: 6522 Thank you received: 129	Well, I've just sent a request for a replacement also. We will see how this goes! Attachment 1506_004.JPG not found
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 21 Jul 2011 14:01 #67160

NancyinSTL
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NancyinSTL wrote:

I spoke to Charlie, who was in California at a show. He said that over the years of him selling the mats, he's only had a very few complaints. He suggested that, while he's away, I go to http://www.olfa.com and refer my issue to customer service there. If I am not satisfied with their response, he wants me to contact him when he gets back home--after the 17th.

I did submit an e-mail via the Olfa website and am awaiting their reply, which could take three to five days. It's only been three days, so I'm still waiting.

Finally, today, I got a response from OLFA. Since it's been quite a bit longer than I expected, I had begun to think that my message was being ignored. I was so wrong and could not have been more delighted with OLFA's reply. Olfa is sending to me a onetime only goodwill replacement 12" rotating mat, even though the OLFA Mats are not warrantied.

Until I receive the replacement mat (7 - 10 days from now), I feel a little torn about sharing this. Hopefully, you can understand why. I did mention in my orignal complaint message to OLFA that a few others on this TQS Forum had experienced the same problem.

I need to thank Dawn for initiating this thread, and all of you who chimed in. Otherwise, I might not have ever pursued this.

Thanks so much,
Nancy

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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 17 Jul 2011 19:41 #67006

ritzy OFFLINE Posts: 2963 Thank you received: 82	I have one of these also so I am waiting to hear what you find out.
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 17 Jul 2011 05:35 #66952

Margo OFFLINE Posts: 6522 Thank you received: 129	Thanks for the update, Nancy! Looking forward to seeing if you get any action from Olfa!
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 16 Jul 2011 22:09 #66951

NancyinSTL
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I spoke to Charlie, who was in California at a show. He said that over the years of him selling the mats, he's only had a very few complaints. He suggested that, while he's away, I go to http://www.olfa.com and refer my issue to customer service there. If I am not satisfied with their response, he wants me to contact him when he gets back home--after the 17th.

I did submit an e-mail via the Olfa website and am awaiting their reply, which could take three to five days. It's only been three days, so I'm still waiting.

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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 13 Jul 2011 17:28 #66849

Lorchen OFFLINE Posts: 2639 Thank you received: 50	Instead of turning the fabric or the mat, I walk around the table. Works for me.
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 13 Jul 2011 15:26 #66842

Margo OFFLINE Posts: 6522 Thank you received: 129	Please keep us posted, Nancy! I actually think I bought mine from Charlie's also, but it's been at least 5 years ago at the Paducah quilt show.
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Re: How do I smooth out ridges in a cutting mat? 13 Jul 2011 15:09 #66841

NancyinSTL
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kathyst2 wrote:

Nancy, my rotating 12" olfa mat is the same, it seems to be softer than the regular olfa mats. I wonder if they are made of different materials? I got mine at Joann's probably.
Kathy

Kathy & Margo,

Thanks so much for your replies. Since you two have had the same problem, I think that there is a problem with these mats. Like I said before, the problem began almost immediately after I started using it. Although, I've had it for a couple of years now, I really haven't used it much-- it takes some getting used to rotating the mat instead of the fabric. I'm going to contact the vendor to see if he is aware and if there is any warranty on them. It can't hurt to ask. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, I purchased mine from "Charlie's E-Z Mat Cutters", http://www.matandquiltcutters.com, 1-800-735-8656.

Nancy

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